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Posted on: February 8, 2016

Pierce County looking for resort-style development at Chambers Bay

Developers asked to submit Statement of Qualifications

Pierce County is looking for a partner to design, finance, construct and operate a resort-style development adjacent to the Chambers Bay Golf Course in University Place, Wash. Chambers Bay hosted the 2015 US Open and the 2010 US Amateur Championships.

The development would include but not be limited to short term lodging, restaurants, a golf course clubhouse, banquet and meeting space, golf teaching and practice facilities, parking, trail connections, access to Puget Sound and other features.

The Chambers Bay Golf Course is part of the Chambers Creek Properties, 930 acres of open space that includes two miles of shoreline, two-and-a-half miles of forested canyon, 6.5 miles of trails, two playfields and spectacular views of Puget Sound, numerous marine islands, the Olympic Mountains and Mt. Rainier.

“We’re looking for developers who will know how to take advantage of the natural qualities of the site, integrate what’s already here and complement the unique golfing experience at Chambers Bay,” said Tony Tipton, Director of Pierce County Parks and Recreation. “Chambers Bay deserves facilities that are at least comparable to other championship caliber golf courses.”

Chambers Bay is an 18-hole Scottish links-style course located on the shores of Puget Sound about 30 minutes south of Sea-Tac Airport. The course opened in 2007 to rave reviews and was awarded the 2010 U.S. Amateur and 2015 U.S. Open Championships shortly after.

In 2008, the county offered a similar opportunity to develop resort type amenities at Chambers Bay, but interest in developing a club house and other facilities was negatively impacted by the Great Recession.

“Financing hospitality projects during the recession was extremely challenging and limited the ability of developers to move forward with their proposals,” said Tipton. “We believe the financing markets have improved enough to warrant another attempt to bring needed amenities to Chambers Bay.”

The selection process will include two phases. Phase One seeks Statements of Qualifications from interested development teams. The statements are due by March 4, 2016. Phase Two will seek specific proposals from no more than three of the most qualified teams from Phase One.

To receive a Request for Qualifications, interested developers can download RFQU No. 1648, Chambers Bay Resort Development located on the Budget & Finance website.